Piano action



y 1944- J. c. POTWIN PIANO ACTIQN Filed July 20, 1942' 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 y 6 "I 7 w w z w, M a 5 W w a 5 f a 7 w .Ew W? a V a r w V I o 3 a y a 1 a v 3 f I O 4 am I x 4 July 4, 1944'. J. c. POTWIN PIANO ACTION Filed July 20, 1942 2 Shets-Sheet 2 Patented July 4, 1944 UNITED STATES ATENT OFFICE PIANO ACTION Application July 20, 1942, Serial No. 451,544

12 Claims.

This invention relates generally to piano mechanism and in particular to a piano action of drop type for a low upright piano. This application is a continuation in part of application Serial No. 413,020, filed September 30, 1941 which has matured into Patent No. 2,297,717 granted Oct. 6, 1942.

It is an object of this invention to provide an improved drop type action for a low upright piano.

Another object of this invention is to provide a piano action of drop type having an improved abstract and whip assembly.

A further object of this invention is to provide piano mechanism including a key and a piano action having a whip, in which the key is operatively connected with the action by an abstract having a rigid foot portion arranged in direct striking engagement with a pivoted whip, and guided for playing operation by pivoted means located rearwardly thereof and away from the front of the action so that the action is freely accessible for work thereon.

Another object of this invention is to provide a piano action having improved connecting mechanism for connecting the whip with a corresponding key.

A further object is to provide an improved action comprised of but few parts, compactly assembled with a minimum number of frictional connections and adjustable portions to provide for a long operating life with little attention and replacement of parts, and an improved repeating action of the piano key.

A feature of this invention is found in the pro vision of a piano action having a pivoted whip and abstract foot portion arranged for striking engagement, but relatively formed so that a rocking action occurs therebetween simultaneously with the pivotal lifting of the Whip by the abstract. Any friction between these parts tending to restrict their free movement is thus practically eliminated.

Further objects, features, and advantages of.

two units and showing the pivoted guiding means for the abstract pivotally supported on the piano frame means;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary elevational view of the abstract foot member as seen along the line 2+2 in'Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary view illustrated similarly'to Fig. 1 showing the guide means for the abtsract supported on the brackets for mounting a piano action in a piano; and

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional View illustrated similarly to Fig. 1 showing the guiding means for the abstract carried on the frame means of the piano action.

In the practice of this invention there is provided a drop type piano action having a plurality of abstracts, all simultaneously connectible or disconnectible with corresponding piano' keys. Each of the abstracts is provided with a substantially upright lifter portion, and a foot portion rigidly secured thereon which is extended longitudinally in a direction from front to rear of the piano action. The inner end of the abstract foot portion is arranged to underlie a portion of a corresponding pivoted whip, adjacent surfaces of the abstract foot portion and whip being reverseiy curved and arranged for striking engagement, the engaging surfaces providing for a rocking action between the whip and abstract simultaneously with the pivotal lifting of the whip by the abstract. Each foot portion intermediate the ends thereof is pivotally connected to one end of a pivoted guiding member for the abstract, which is located rearwardly of the abstract and within the dimension of the piano action in a direction from front to rear thereof. By virtue of this relative assembly of the abstract and guiding means therefor, the front of the piano action is entirely accessible for assembly and adjustment work thereon.

With reference to the drawings there is shown in Fig. 1 a drop type piano action of two-unit construction including a supporting rail it which is mounted on a plurality of mounting brackets (not shown). A whip I2 is pivotally connected to the rail I 5 and in turn pivotally supports a jack 63. As the whip I2 is raised the lack l3 engages, in. the usual manner, the butt M of a hammer it, this motion being transmitted through the jack to pivot the hammer into striking engagement with a corresponding piano string. A back check I! and bridlestrap wire it are both supported on the whip, which is operatively connected with a corresponding key ill by an abstract 2! having a head portion 22 and a foot portion 23 connected together with a wire lifter portion 24. The head portion 22 and foot portion 23 are similarly as-- sembled with the wire lifter 24. Only the assembly of the foot portion 23 with the lifter portion 24 will, therefore, be specifically described.

As shown inFig. 2 the lower end of the wire lifter 24 is of a substantially hook or U-shape,

the free end portion 26 thereof being anchored in the longitudinally extending foot member 23 and positioned transversely thereof. A groove 21 extends in the direction of the lifter Wire 24 with the remaining portion of the hook-shaped end of the wire 24 being received in the groove 21. It is thus seen that a portion of the hook end of the lifter wire 24 is received within the groove 2'1, While the free end portion thereof is anchored within the head member. By virtue of this assembly the foot member is rigidly connected with the lifter wire 24 so as to be fixed relative thereto.

The foot portion 23 (Fig. 1) extends longitudinally in a direction from front to rear and transversely of the piano action and is pivotally connected intermediate its ends 28 and 29 by an axis member 3| with one end 32 of a guiding member or retaining flange 33. The guiding member 33 is pivotally connected at its opposite end 34 to a bracket 36 which is mounted on a rail member 31 carried on the piano frame means 38.

The end 32 of the guiding member 33 is movable in an are having its center at the pivotal connection 39, the axis member 3| being located forwardly of the point of contact between the foot member 23 and the whip l2, as will be later explained. As a result of this assembly on movement of the abstract 2| in a substantially up and down direction, as viewed in Fig. 1, the pivotal connection or axis 3| and in turn the guiding member end 32 are moved in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the abstract 2|. The action of the abstract 2| is thus entirely free so that any tendency of the lifter wire 24 to be bent, by virtue of its rigid connection with the foot portion 23, is entirely eliminated. It is to be understood, of course, that the abstract lifter portion 24 may be composed of wood while the head and foot members may also be formed of wood and used with either a wire or wood construction of the lifter portion so as to provide for flexibility and economy in the manufacture of the abstract.

As shown in Fig. 1 the abstract 2| is in a substantially upright position with the head portion 22 thereof being slightly inclined forwardly of the piano action. By virtue of the location of the guiding member 32 and its supporting structure rearwardly of the abstract 2| the front of the action below the head portion 22 is entirely exposed to permit work thereon, without any interference from the abstract guiding means. In other words, an open space is provided near the foot of the abstract and within the dimension of the piano action in a direction from front to rear thereof. Assembly and adjustment of the piano action is further facilitated by virtue of the rigid connection of the lifter wire 24 with the foot 23, since the abstract 2| may be assembled as a unit relative to the key, the guiding means 33, and the remaining elements of the piano action.

The end 29 of the foot member 23 underlies the end portion 4| of the whip l2 and is formed along its upper side with a reversely curved surface 42 and the whip 4| itself is pivotally supported on the stationary flange 4|. The under or lower side of the whip end 4| is provided with a corresponding reversely curved surface 43 adapted to fit in mating engagement with the surface 42. The surfaces 42 and 43 are separated by a felt or like bushing 44 secured to the whip l2 and functioning to quiet the striking or abutting engagement of such two surfaces during the operation of the piano mechanism. From a consideration of Fig. 1, therefore, it is seen that the head portion 22 is free of the piano action and overhangs the capstan 20 on the piano key l9 and is in abutting engagement therewith so as to be readily connectible and disconnectible therefrom, with the foot portion of the abstract being pivotally connected and supported by the pivoted guiding member 33. The whip 2 and associated elements of the piano action are thus capable of being removed from the piano without in any manner disturbing any previous adjustments of the abstract 2| relative to the key l9.

As shown in Fig. 1 the key I9 is in a rest position with the zone of engagement between the abstract foot portion 23 and whip l2 at the surfaces 42 and 43 being substantially rearwardly of the axis connection 3|. On the pressing or playing of the key the abstract 2| is lifted upwardly, this movement taking place freely by virtue of the relative assembly of the abstract with the guiding member 32, to in turn pivotally lift the whip I2. As the whip I2 is raised, the zone of engagement between the curved surfaces 42 and 43 moves toward the extremity of the abstract end 29 due to the rocking action provided between the whip l2 and foot member 23 by such curved surfaces. Frictional resistance between the engaging portions of the abstract and whip is thus practically eliminated since the rocking action occurs simultaneously with the lifting of the whip l2.

An operation of the piano action is thus accomplished which improves the repeat action of the key l9, this improved operation being facilitated by the reduced number of pivotal connections utilized in the means for connecting the whip l2 with the key I9 and the consequent rcduction in the number of parts to be set or regulated in the adjustment of such connecting means including the abstract 2|. The abstract 2| during playing movement thereof is guided in a sub stantially up and down direction by means in cluding a rail member 45 having adjustable guide elements 41 thereon individual to each abstract 2|. The guide rail 46 may be removably secured to the keyframe 48 and movable to a position for simultaneously moving all of the abstracts 2| out of an engaging position with a corresponding key l9 and towards the remainder of the piano action.

With reference to Fig. 3, there is shown a piano action which is similar in all respects to the piano action shown in Fig. 1 except for the mounting of a rail member 49, for pivotally supporting the abstract guiding member 33, directly on brackets 5! for mounting the piano action in the piano frame. Brackets 5| are spaced longitudinally of the piano action and are generally composed of a metal material. The rail member 49 is of a substantially L-shape, with the horizontally extending leg 52 thereof being secured to the lower end of the bracket 5|. The vertical y leg 53 of the rail member 49 supports the bracket 36 which is pivotally connected at 39 to the guiding member 33, which in turn is assembled with the abstract 2| in a manner similar to that above fully described in connection with Fig. 1. By virtue of this assembly on disconnection of the abstracts 2| from corresponding keys IS, the abstracts 2| are simultaneously movable to a position against the piano action by the rail member 46 and may be retained in such position by suitable means (not shown) to provide for their being transportable with the action as a unit" for shipping and assembly purposes.

' Another modified formof piano action embodying the improved Whip and abstract assembly is illustrated in Fig. 4; The guiding'member 33 for the abstract 2! is pivotally connected at its end 32 by axis means 3| intermediate the ends of the abstract foot member 23 while the opposite end 34 thereof is pivotally connected at 54 to the lower end of a flange or bracket member 56 secured at its upper end to the rail member I!) of the piano action. The whip- I2 is piv-v otally connected with the bracket member 56 intermediate the upper and lower ends thereof as indicated at 51. The remaining. structure of the piano action and its operation are similar in and drawings, therefore, it is seen that the inven-' tion provides the combination of an abstract having a lifter portion with a foot portion rigidly secured thereto andrelatively assembled with pivoted guiding means such that stresses in the abstract resulting from its rigid construction are eliminated, with the guiding means being located rearwardly of the abstract and away from the front of theaction to permit working thereon. The guiding member is thus located within the dimension of the piano action in a direction from front to rear thereof, so as not to require any space, additional to that used by the piano action, in a direction from front to rear of the piano. The width of the piano casing below the key frame need only be large enough, therefore, to accommodate the piano action. Frictional resistance in the action is appreciably reduced by virtue of the reversely curved engaging surfaces between the abstract foot member 23 and the whip l2, to provide in all a. piano action adapted to be efiiciently operated, assembled in a minimum of space in a direction from front to rear of the piano action, while providing a space atthe front of the piano action for access to the action.

Although the invention has been specifically described with respect to several preferred embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that it is not so limited since modifications and alterations can be made therein which are within the full intended scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In piano mechanism including a key with a capstan near the rear end thereof, and a piano action including a pivoted whip, an abstract operatively connecting said action and key having a head portion overlying said capstan and operatively connectible therewith, an abstract foot portion extending longitudinally in a direction from front to rear of said piano action, means pivotally connecting said foot portion intermediate the ends thereof to said action, with one end thereof underlying said whip for operative engagement therewith, and the other end being connected with said head portion by a lifter rod portion, with the adjacent surfaces of said whip and said one end of the abstract foot portion being reversely curved to provide for a substantially rocking action therebetween on lifting of said whip by said abstract, said abstract on disabstracts corresponding in number to said keys, I with each of'said abstracts including a foot por-- tion and a lifter. portion, said foot portion ex-' connection .of said capstan and head portion being transportable with said action as a unit.

' 2. In piano mechanism having a piano action with a pivoted whip and including keys, an abstract for each key having a foot member extendinglongitudinally in a direction from front to rear of said piano action, means operatively connecting said foot member intermediate the ends thereof into said action, means rigidly securing said foot member to said abstract, with one end of said abstract underlying said whip for engagement therewith, said whip and abstract having the engaging surfaces thereof relatively formed to provide for a rocking move ment between said-whip and abstract concurrently with the pivotal lifting of said whip by said abstract.

3. In a piano mechanism for a piano having a key frame with a plurality of keys and a capstan near the rear end of each of said keys, an action including a plurality of pivoted whips and tending longitudinally in a direction from front to'rear of said piano action, means securing said foot portion in a fixedposition at one end of said lifter portion, an .abstract'head portion free of said action and extending over a corresponding' key for engagement with the corresponding capstan,means securing said head portion in a fixed position at the other end of said lifter portion intermediate the ends thereof to said action, with one of the ends of said foot portion underlyinga corresponding whip for direct engagement therewith, and the engaging surfaces of said whip and foot portion end being reversely curved for mating engagement to provide for a rocking action between said abstract and whip simultaneously'with the pivotal raising of said whip by said abstract, and means releasably connected to said key frame and positioned rearwardly thereof for guidably supporting the lifter portions of said abstracts for playing movement in a substantially up and down direction, with said latter means on disconnection from said key frame being movable toward said action to disconnect said abstracts and keys and provide for the transport of said abstracts and piano action as a unit. -4. In piano mechanism having a piano action with a whip and including keys, an abstract for each key having a foot member extended longitudinally in a direction from front to rear of said piano action, means operatively connecting said foot member into said action including a pivotal connection intermediate the ends of said foot member, with one end of said foot member underlying said whip for engagement therewith, the engaging surfaces of said foot member and whip being reversely curved for mating engagement, with the zone of engage-. ment between said whip and foot member sur-- faces being progressively movable over that portion of the foot member positioned to the action side of said pivotal connection concurrently with the pivotal lifting of the whip by the abstract.

5. In a piano mechanism including in combination an abstract and a whip, said abstract having a lifter portion, a foot portion rigidly secured to said lifter portion and extended from the lifter portion in a direction toward the rear of said piano mechanism, said foot portion having a rigid engaging part thereon directly engaging. a corresponding: part of said whip. a guiding member for said abstract pivotally connected at. one end with said foot portion, said guiding member being located substantially rearwardly of said foot portion to provide for the front of said piano action being left. exposed for work thereon, and means rearwardly of said foot portion having a fixed pivot portion pivotally connected with said guiding member at. the other end thereof.

6.. In. a piano mechanism having a piano action. including a whip and associated piano. action elements, the means for moving the; whip and associated elements in the piano action. including an abstract having a longitudinally extending foot portion rigidly secured thereto and arranged for direct striking engagement. with said whip, a pivoted member acting solely for guiding the playing movement of said abstract, means pivotally connecting said guiding member at one end. to said foot portion intermediate the ends of said foot portion, and fixed means rearwardly of said foot portion pivotally mounting said guiding member at the other endand with said guiding member being'located substantially rearwardly of said foot portion and within the dimension of said piano action in a direction from front to rear thereof.

7. In a piano mechanism for a piano having frame means, said mechanism including two separable units one of which includes a whip, and the other of said units having an abstract with a substantially upright body portion and a longitudinally extending foot portion rigidly secured to said body portion and separably engaging said whip, pivot means mounting said Whip, pivoted means for guiding said abstract pivotally connected at one end with said foot portion and extending rearwardly of said foot portion to provide the front of said mechanism at said abstracts exposed, and fixed means carried on said frame means connected with the opposite end of said guiding means, and pivot means substantially vertically displaced from said whip pivot means pivotally connecting said means and said pivoted means at said opposite end.

8. In a piano action having a pivoted whip and including mounting means substantially at the rear of the action for mounting the action on a piano, the combination including a substantially upright abstract at the front of said action for moving the whip including a lifter por tion, a longitudinally extending foot portion rigidly connected at one end with said lifter portion. with the opposite end thereof extended within said piano action for direct striking engagement with said whip, means for guiding said abstract having one end pivotally connected with said foot portion, and a rail carried on the action mounting means having a fixed flange thereon pivotally connected with said guiding means at the opposite end thereof, said guiding means extending rearwardly from the foot portion to said fixed flange and being arranged substantially rearwardly of said foot portion to provide for the front of said piano action being open for working thereon.

9. A piano action having frame means therefor, including in combination a pivoted whip, an abstract at the front of said piano action having a foot portion rigid thereon extending within said piano action for direct striking en gagement with said whip, and a guiding member for said abstract pivoted at one end to said foot portion, and a rail secured to said action frame means having a fixed substantially vertically extendingv member thereon, pivot means connecting said substantially vertically extending member and. said whip, and pivot means connecting said extending member and said guiding member at a point displaced downwardly in said extending member from said whip connecting point.

10.. In a piano action having a flange rail, 2. pivoted whip, an abstract at the front of said piano action having a foot portion rigid thereon extending within said piano action for direct striking engagement with said whip, a guiding member for said abstract pivoted at one end to said foot portion, a. flange portion secured to said rail, said guiding member being pivotally connected to a fixed pivot point with said flange portion and being located rearwardly of said abstract to provide an open space forwardly of said abstract for working on said piano action, and means pivotally connecting said whip with said flange portion at apoint thereon displaced from the point of pivot connection for said guiding member.

11. In a piano mechanism having a whip mounted on a pivot at a fixed point rearwardly in the mechanism, the means for moving said whip including an abstract having a lifter body portion and a rigid foot portion on said body portion adapted to engage the whip to move the latter, and guide means acting solely to guide said foot portion and abstract pivotally connected at one end to said foot portion and extending rearwardly therefrom, and pivot means below and substantially vertically displaced from the fixed point of the whip pivot, with said pivot means mounting said guide means for pivotal movement.

12. In a piano mechanism having a piano action with a pivoted whip and including keys; an abstract adapted to be lifted up on movement of a corresponding key having an upright body portion and a foot portion rigidly secured thereon and extended longitudinally from the body portion in a direction from front to rear of said piano action, pivoted means for guiding the playing movement of said abstract connected with said foot portion intermediate the ends thereof, with one end of said foot portion underlying said whip for striking engagement therewith, said whip and foot portion having the engaging surfaces thereof relatively formed to provide for a rocking movement between said whip and foot portion concurrently with the pivotal lifting of said whip by said abstract, and stationary means rearwardly of the abstract and rearwardly of said engaging surface at the place of said foot and whip striking engagement for supporting said pivoted guide means, with the position of said stationary means providing that the front of said action including the front of said abstract is exposed for working thereon, and with said stationary means including means pivotally connected with said pivoted guide means.

JULIAN C. POT'WIN. 

